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Braved the traffic and heavy rains to Green Sun last Saturday for the launch of the hottest releases of ASUS! At the Zen Festival, the new premium smartphone models have been announced by Asus Philippines. Get ready for these awesome ZenFone models which are now finally available in the Philippines - the ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone Laser, and ZenFone Deluxe!

Among these models, which are you going to choose? You won’t have to worry because these will meet the needs of every individual!

In a nutshell, the ZenFone 2 is a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering that is the world’s first smartphone to feature a 4GB RAM. ZenFone 2 Deluxe introduces a stunning new multifaceted polygonal design aesthetic to the ZenFone 2, offering beauty and power in abundance. ZenFone 2 Laser also includes laser auto-focus technology in its 13MP PixelMaster camera for clear, near-instant shots. ZenFone Selfie is the ultimate choice for selfies, with its twin 13MP PixelMaster cameras and a dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash at both front and rear.

Thanks to my ASUS family, I now have my very own ZenFone selfie! Better Snapchats, OOTDs and selfies with this beautiful phone in aqua blue! I’ll be reviewing this in a separate blog post soon. :)

ZenFone 2 Deluxe has a stunning, all-new design inspired by the natural beauty of crystals. The pure-comfort Ergonomic Arc design is decorated with over 500 tessellated polygons to project a unique multifaceted allure, accented by the iconic ASUS concentric-circle detailing on the rear key.

The Ergonomic Arc design is a graceful, curved case that tapers to an incredibly thin 3.9mm at the edges to lend ZenFone 2 Deluxe a bold yet elegant look. This curvature provides exceptional comfort and a secure grip, and intuitive control and convenience is further enhanced by the rear-mounted selfie and volume-control key — ideally-positioned for the user’s index finger.

ZenFone 2 Deluxe has an incredibly-sharp and vivid 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display with a 403ppi pixel density and a wide 178-degree viewing angle, ensuring lifelike photos and videos and great-looking apps. ASUS TruVivid technology enhances display performance even more with bright, brilliant colors. The display has an ultra-narrow 3.3mm bezel, giving ZenFone 2 Deluxe a remarkable 72% screen-to-body ratio for a maximized viewing experience, and is crafted from Corning® Gorilla®Glass 3 for superior resistance to damage and fingerprints. An anti-fingerprint coating reduces friction by 30%, giving a luxuriously-smooth feel to touch gestures.

ZenFone 2 Deluxe is available in three unique colors — Illusion Diamond White, Illusion Polygon Blue and Illusion Smooth Pink — that, together with the beauty and customizability of ASUS ZenUI, result in a smartphone that is truly personal, both inside and out.

ZenFone 2 Deluxe is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor clocked at a blistering 2.3GHz and has 4GB of high-speed RAM to deliver gaming performance that’s up to seven times (7X) faster than its predecessor. A 60ms touch response time ensures lag-free input, and OpenGL 3.0 provides incredible gaming performance. It also has 128GB of built-in storage.

ZenFone 2 Deluxe has built-in 4G/LTE connectivity for blazingly-fast data speeds of up to 150Mbit/s plus 802.11ac Wi-Fi, ensuring stutter-free streaming of video and music as well as a smooth all-round mobile experience. Dual-SIM capacity with Dual Active technology makes ZenFone 2 Deluxe the perfect travel or business companion, allowing users to have two active phone lines on their device so they can keep in touch from anywhere.

ZenFone Selfie has been carefully engineered and thoughtfully designed to capture the best possible selfies, quickly and simply. It takes just a simple S-shaped swipe on the high-density 1920x1080-pixel, Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 display to fire up the 13MP PixelMaster front camera ready for shooting. Gorilla Glass 4 means ZenFone Selfie’s display has twice (2X) the drop-damage resistance of its predecessor and 2.5X retained strength, and is 85% less likely to break in daily use.

ZenFone Selfie includes the brilliant ZenUI Beautification mode for live virtual cosmetics. A few taps is all that’s needed to soften facial features, slim bloated cheeks and brighten skin tone to add vibrancy, and all in real time — injecting instant verve into any composition.

Low-light performance is unparalleled, with innovative pixel-merging technology that increases ZenFone Selfie’s light sensitivity by up to four times (4X), and the incredible Backlight (Super HDR) photography mode that uses special pixel-enhancing technology to enable up to 400%-better brightness in dark and shaded areas.

When more illumination is desired, ZenFone Selfie’s dual-LED, dual-color Real Tone flash brings true-to-life colors in every photo, creating the most natural illumination for indoor portrait shots. The moment the shutter button is pressed; ZenFone Selfie delivers the perfect combination of yellow and white light to produce flash-lit shots capturing authentic skin tones — just like real life.

ZenFone Selfie also has Selfie Panorama mode, which exploits ZenFone Selfie’s f/2.2-aperture front lens and 88-degree field of view to capture panoramic selfies of up to 140 degrees with a simple turn of the wrist. With Selfie Panorama mode enabled, selfies become a party with all friends included — plus the ability to capture panoramic scenery for stunning backdrops.

ZenFone 2 Laser (SRP Php8,695.00)

See at the speed of light: 13MP PixelMaster camera with rear laser-focus for near-instant shots

The new ZenFone 2 Laser models all benefit from a 13MP PixelMaster camera with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag — and laser auto-focus technology empowers users to capture perfect clarity in just 0.3 seconds.

PixelMaster’s industry-leading Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400%-brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash. When a flash is preferred, ZenFone 2 Laser is equipped with a Real Tone flash to ensure warm skin tones and accurate color.

ZenFone 2 Laser’s PixelMaster camera also has Backlight (Super HDR) mode to capture vivid, evenly-exposed photos in challenging backlit scenes such as sunset portraits. Pixel-enhancing technology increases contrast by up to 400%, ensuring that foreground subjects stand out clearly and are free of shadows.

For those seeking fine-grained control over camera settings like ISO, shutter speed and more, Manual mode offers users a DSLR-like experience right on their smartphone.

All ZenFone 2 displays are crafted from the latest Gorilla Glass 4 from Corning. Gorilla Glass 4 means ZenFone 2 Laser’s display has twice (2X) the drop-damage resistance of its predecessor and 2.5X retained strength, and is 85% less likely to break in daily use. A microscopically-thin anti-fingerprint coating minimizes scuffs and smudges, allowing the brilliance of ZenFone 2 Laser’s display to shine through.

Simpler, smarter and more personal: ASUS ZenUI with over 1,000 enhancements

Freedom, connection, and expression form the foundation for the ASUS ZenUI mobile user interface. These three pillars have also inspired the evolutionary changes to ZenUI for ZenFone 2 Laser. This latest version offers a simpler and smarter user experience, with a stylish new layout that employs white space for a cleaner design, and which places information front and center for a simpler, smarter user experience.

ZenUI has many great new features — including ZenMotion, SnapView, Trend Micro™ security and ZenUI Instant Updates — that enhance usability; ensure security and privacy; and deliver a seamless user experience.

So which phone are you getting? :)

More about the ZenFone Selfie soon!

Stay tuned here at my blog for the full review, plus regular posts with the ZenFone Selfie on Twitter/Instagram @listentoarnie xx

Couple of weeks back, I suddenly felt very lost and burned-out. Not sure if it’s just stress or hormones or whatever. I can’t seem to find my drive back. Maybe it just happens! But coincidentally, during one of our long drives back to Quezon City from a meeting in Makati (insane traffic, like every day and you know it), my boss shared with us an inspiring story about his dream, which suddenly led to the podcast he listens to lately. He has totally no idea that my system has gone adrift. Yet it was the perfect wake up call I needed.I started listening to Rick Warren’s podcast - Daily Hope - and thought of sharing with you one of my favorite topics from his feed: How Can I Stop Worrying? Whether you’re currently fighting a tough battle or not, this might help you. :)

Pastor Rick kept reiterating this line: God will meet all your needs. To those who ask, “Is God a liar?” The answer is no. He didn’t say “I will meet all your greeds.”

Every time you start worrying, you forget that there is a God. So how can we really stop worrying? Here are 4 quick points.

1. Get to know God.

“I’ve got it all on me. I have it all by myself."

If you don’t have a relationship with God, you have ALL the reasons to worry. Who do you rely on? Your family or peers are there but they can’t attend to you 24/7 because they’re also busy living their own lives and trying hard to fix their own struggles. So without God, you don’t have any external power or hope. Fears will come in soon enough, until your only way is to choose to believe. Now if you do, you will be amazed with what happens to your life. :)

2. Put God first.

What is the most important thing in your life? Is it your career, family, pleasures, hobbies, money, etc.? Yes, these are all good and vital. But if you keep centering your life towards these material delights, you will keep worrying. Stop living for things. Start living for God.

3. Live one day at a time.

Pastor Rick cracked that Jesus said, “Don’t open your umbrella until it starts to rain.”

Witty but true! The real message is to NOT be worried about tomorrow.

When you’re worried about tomorrow, you can’t enjoy today. That simple. :)

4. Trust God to take care of your needs.

We always hear this because it’s true - give all your worries to God. Unload everything to Him.

In life you have two choices: Pray or Panic? Prayers are far more powerful than a human mind can understand. The result? An incredible peace of mind.

It's been a pretty busy month for me that I totally forgot that I owe you guys something. July has passed and August is about to end in a few days... and we still haven't had that RMC Turns 4 party! :( Totally sorry for the delay!! Swear to plan things out, and hope you're still up for it! ❤ I'm very excited to see all those beautiful faces!!!

My friends know how random I can get. Like I've never ever binged on Milo powder since birth, but this week, I found myself finishing 6 sachets and counting. Or my choice of series would always be all light and sweet (think: Jane by Design or Awkward), but now I'm hooked with sci-fi about clones. Extemes!Some "about me" lists or guilty pleasures that I've posted in this blog before are probably true in 2013 but totally different in my 2015 self. :p So with this, let me share with you my current top 7 favorites!

Please blame my friends Gela and Judd for introducing me to this Canadian sci-fi series. Now I'm having trust issues with everyone (are you my monitor?) and hearing the coffee press reminds me of Helena. I also thought of switching careers - from being a digital marketing babe to a female cop and solve mysteries. I'm totally geeking out now. Join the clone club with us, yes? :)

2. Sour strips (and gummy worms!)

Some things remain the same! I'm still addicted with sour strips and gummy worms. ❤

3. Tim Ho Wan

Gaaahd I've dined twice at Tim Ho Wan last week and I think I can have lunch or dinner there again before this week ends. Prawn dumplings, stir fried noodles and pork buns!!! :( Please take me there now!!!

Who is the person who has given you unconditional love and support through the years? Kaninong husay at malasakit ang nasa likod ng iyong tagumpay?My parents are my unsung heroes. They continuously give me unconditional support through the years without asking for recognition. My dad has worked hard for our family to provide all our needs and make me graduate from college. Mom was the kindest and most patient ever, for helping me with pretty much everything everyday. I'm thankful for how they raised me because it led me to where I am right now. I owe them my life, they're my superheroes! ❤

From our fancy and bountiful lifestyle to the deepest, toughest times, even I can't still believe how we surpassed all those struggles. With God's grace and my parents' intense faith and perseverance, the grueling phase is over. And I know we can get through anything as long as we're complete. My parents are the best and I wouldn't trade them for anything!

I'm sure we all have our own beautiful stories with our unsung heroes! And Unilab will help us recognize them as the brand celebrates their 70th anniversary.

Thank your unsung heroes by nominating them at www.husayatmalasakit.com! Together with Unilab, I'm giving away a FREE personalized dedication cake from Red Ribbon and a Unilab health kit!

What's inside the Unilab health kit?

Packs of Kremil-S, Neozep, Tuseran and Solmux

Packs of Neurogen-E, Alaxan FR and Myra E

Packs of Medicol Advance 400 and Biogesic

Ceelin and Biogesic

Packs of Diatabs, Bioflu and Decolgen

Enervon tablets (plus Max Vit and Enervon Activ - not in the photo)

Win all these and a personalized dedication cake for your loved one by visiting www.husayatmalasakit.com.

Braved the horrible Makati traffic last Friday to witness another exciting launch of Levi's, and this time, with Asian Superstar Vanness Wu! I know you're thrilled to see more of him, but let's get on to the new Levi's Women's Denim Collection for Fall 2015 first! :)

For Fall 2015, Levi's harnessed over 80 years of women's global denim expertise, paired that knowledge with the innovation and relevancy of today, and obssessed over the details - from the fit and fabric to finish and style - to create a transformational women's jean collection. The Levi's brand global design team identified the key fits and styles that women want, obsessively working to optimize the latest fabric innovations and slimming technologies, creating the perfect fitting jean for each body type. Such innovations include the most advanced stretch and recovery, signature authentic Levi's details and world-class finishing.

With the brand's commitment to continuous innovation while boasting the quality it has always been known for, Levi's created a perfectly tailored and trendy new collection that keeps up with the lifestyles of Asian modern women. The latest addition to Levi's denim collection is inspired by the idea hat "behind every great woman is a great pair of jeans." And I totally agree with that! ❤

Some influencers for Levi's Women's Denim Collection were there, too! Including our baes Vern and Verniece...

Levi's brought Vanness Wu to the Philippines as a way of thanking all the Levi's female style seeker fans for patronizing the brand for years. He's such a sweetheart! I remember him describing Filipinas as maganda and masarap! And we all went wild! :p

Introducing the new Levi's Denim Collection for women - modern, feminine and sexy from the brand that invented the blue jean.

Thanks for having me, Levi's Philippines! Had such a wonderful night! ❤

The new Levi's Jeans Collection will be available in Levi's stores and in select wholesale partners beginning July 2015.